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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as having three or more of a half-dozen physiological markers, including abdominal obesity, high blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, clot-prone blood, and chronic inflammation.

Past studies have indicated that certain of the antioxidant pigments common to colorful foods such as berries, chocolate, grapes, and blue-purple corn may help discourage abdominal obesity (See “Tart Cherries Seen Suppressing Metabolic Syndrome”).

Research results from Japan provide more evidence that the antioxidant pigments in certain colorful fruits may discourage formation of belly fat.

The antioxidants in question are called anthocyanins… the same polyphenol compounds that give berries, grapes, cocoa, and autumn leaves their red-purple hues.

Japanese study boosts anti-obesity promise of purple-red pigments

A team led by Takanori Tsuda of Chubu University in Aichi, Japan has been testing the effects of food-borne anthocyanins—3G (cyanidin 3-glucoside) and Cy (cyanidin)—on special human cells called pre-adipocytes.

Pre-adipocytes turn into fat cells (adipocytes) in response to specific stimuli, including dietary factors and exercise.

Studies that Dr. Tsuda’s team published in 2003, 2004, and 2006 produced results with encouraging implications for the effects of food-borne anthocyanins on development of belly fat and obesity.

As they wrote two years ago, their results show that particular anthocyanins prevented pre-adipocytes from becoming fat cells: “…anthocyanins can… ameliorate adipocyte function related with obesity and diabetes…” (Tsuda T et al 2006).

Specifically, the results demonstrated significant changes in the secretion of various adipokines, which are messenger proteins that tell pre-adipocytes whether to become fat cells, or not.

In addition to their mouse experiment, the Japanese team exposed human pre-adipocyte cells to anthocyanin-rich purple corn pigment for 24 hours, after which they detected a decrease in a messenger chemical associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1).

These results should be tested in clinical trials involving whole foods, before we can be sure that berries, grapes, cocoa, purple corn, and other anthocyanin-rich fare can really help prevent MetS and its associated ills.

NOTE: No statements in this article are intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease, and they have not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).